Growing Drought Concerns in the West and Central United States

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While the catastrophe in the southern Appalachians should continue to dominate the weather news the next few days as it is a catastrophe and, at least in terms of geography, far worse than Katrina. 

That said, it is important to consider the worsening drought in the central and parts of the western United States. Below is the forecast rainfall for the next seven days.

Going a little farther out, here is the National Weather Service's 8-14 rainfall outlook.
Wichita already has water restrictions and, if I were a water manager in the central areas already experiencing drought, you may wish to proactively consider what another two dry weeks may mean.

Addition: In the Southwest, the problem is also heat. 

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